I’ve been blogging for two years. 300 posts, 112 comments.
An article in today’s WSJ talks about how blogs have been around for 10 years. Interviews with prominent bloggers and readers of blogs, ranging from Mia Farrow to Newt Gingrich to the founder of Craigslist, gives a sampling of the impact of blogs. From providing alternative viewpoints to raising the visibility of pet causes to giving the smallest voice a megaphone, blogging has changed the world.
An interview with Elizabeth Spiers, founding editor of Gawker, reflects on what makes for a good blog:
"Of the various blogs I’ve written or produced, the ones that worked best–the ones that had the biggest and most loyal readerships–always had a few consistent qualities. They were topically focused, often in niche areas. They published regularly and frequently, typically during office hours and several times a day. They published content that was original or difficult to find…They were usual well-written…They engaged their readership by soliciting feedback and responding to it, in the form of asking for tips, allowing comments or otherwise demonstrating some level of interest in their audience’s preferences."
I fall short on a few of Elizabeth’s criteria. And yet, I’m curious as to the impact this blog has had. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m fairly new to your blog. I discovered it after Dan Pink referred to one of your postings in early June. I have been delighted! I’ve browsed some of your older posts and followed some links to your other websites, but mostly I’ve enjoyed the stream of ideas as they have been posted recently–particularly about job fit. I don’t personally expect (or want) a blogger to post several times a day. That’s more of a burden for me than a treat. I do appreciate topical focus though it is easy enough to bounce over a post that strays from the main topic. I particularly enjoy bloggers who admit to and reflect on their uncertainties and thoughts in development. That, to me, is the sign of a wise person.
Hi Katherine,
So glad that you are a reader of the blog and that you’ve found the posts useful and enjoyable to read.
Even though people have told me they like the eclectic range of my posts, I still ponder from time to time how this blog can have a narrower focus. Good to hear that you don’t mind skipping over posts that are outside of your interest.
And to your last point about uncertainty and mid-development of thoughts, the writing process helps me find clarity on what I really think about something. The blog is a nice vehicle for doing this in public.
Hello Carol:
I came across your website by way of your Squidoo lens. I like your focus on the right brain. It fits with my experience and interests. Your headlines show that both your website and lens will be important resources for me in the future. I’ll skip over the titles that don’t resonate with me.
All the best
Galba Bright
Hi Galba,
Thanks for introducing yourself. From looking at your website and background, it looks like you’ve leveraged the right brain stuff with organizations under the umbrella of Emotional Intelligence. A great door to helping business people be more effective. Nice work!
My Squidoo lens (www.squidoo.com/wholebrainthinking) tends to be where I collect the pure whole brain thinking stuff. And for a broader view of my thinking, I’m glad you found this blog.